Discover the Power Station and Wharepuke Falls
Located on the scenic Kerikeri River Walk in Kerikeri, Northland, the Historic Power Station is a historic landmark that looks back to the region's past. This small hydropower station, developed around 1930, was the first to supply electricity to Kerikeri. It highlights the area's historical development and the lifestyle changes that electricity brought to the community. Nearby, you will also discover EWharepuke Falls, one of the two waterfalls on the river walk.
The Story Behind the Power Station
The power station was the brainchild of George Alderton, a property developer who saw the provision of electricity as a way to attract land buyers. Many potential buyers were the wives of former British civil servants from Asia who migrated to NZ with the end of the British Empire. They were accustomed to having household help, and electricity offered them modern conveniences like washing machines instead.
Alderton enlisted Lloyd Mandeno to assess the feasibility of a hydro station on the Kerikeri River. Mandeno's plan involved diverting water from the river and the Puketotara Stream. Local gum diggers constructed a 1.5 km open channel to direct water to the power station, which began operations in 1930 with 17 customers. Eventually, the station became obsolete when Kerikeri was connected to the national power grid.
Visit Wharepuke Falls
Continuing west along the track, you'll encounter Wharepuke Falls, the first of two waterfalls on the walk. These falls are 5 metres high and feature a 20-metre-wide basalt face, making them a picturesque spot. A large pool lies at the base, though the rocky, uneven access makes it less ideal for swimming than Rainbow Falls, located 45 minutes further along the track. Wharepuke Falls is still a great option if you prefer a quieter experience.
How to Get There
From Kerikeri Basin, it is a 15-minute walk on the river track to the power station and waterfall. Kerikeri Basin can be accessed on Landing Road on the north side of the river, or on Kerikeri Road on the south side.
Around the Kerikeri Basin, you can also visit the Stone Store and Mission House, and the Kororipo Heritage Reserve.
